Ukraine marks invasion anniversary

Ukrainians in Kyiv and other cities observed a sombre anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion with moments of silence, memorial ceremonies and prayers for the hundreds of thousands of soldiers and civilians killed or wounded since the conflict began. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy received a standing ovation after addressing the European Parliament and urged allies to sustain military, financial and diplomatic support, arguing that long-term security guarantees and accelerated weapons deliveries remain vital for Ukraine’s survival and eventual peace.

EU leaders sought to approve fresh sanctions on Russia and a proposed €90 billion loan to bolster Kyiv’s economy, but Hungary vetoed both measures, citing its close ties to Moscow and accusing Ukraine of disrupting Russian oil supplies via the Druzhba pipeline—a claim Kyiv says relates to repairs after a Russian strike. The veto highlighted widening strains within Europe over the scale and duration of support for Ukraine, even as other capitals reaffirmed aid commitments.

Dignitaries, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, joined Zelenskiy for prayers at Kyiv’s Saint Sophia cathedral. Major Western heads of government were absent in person, though British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and others took part remotely in a “Coalition of the Willing” videoconference; Starmer said recent battlefield losses indicate Russia is not winning. Zelenskiy reiterated that EU membership would help secure Ukraine’s future once a peace deal is reached and said Kyiv aims to be ready to join by 2027.

Fighting continued along eastern and southern fronts, with both sides reporting artillery strikes and drone attacks; civilian infrastructure remains a frequent target, compounding humanitarian needs and displacement. Internationally brokered peace talks have stalled largely over territorial issues. Aid agencies warned that prolonged conflict is deepening economic and social hardship for millions of displaced people and straining recovery efforts.

There were no official commemorations in Russia; President Vladimir Putin accused Ukraine and Western intelligence services of undermining peace negotiations. Across Ukraine, veterans, survivors and activists used the anniversary to honor the fallen while urging sustained international unity to prevent further erosion of Ukrainian sovereignty and to preserve the prospect of a durable, dignified peace.